For those looking to reduce coffee shop spending, an at-home coffee maker is a simple solution. However, finding an affordable, compact, and easy-to-clean model can be challenging. The OXO Brew rapid brewer, priced under $50 and requiring no electricity, has emerged as a standout option. Reviewers praise it for producing "the best tasting cup of coffee in my life" in just minutes, and its portability allows it to be taken anywhere.
Design and Functionality
The OXO Brew rapid brewer is roughly the size of a large travel mug. It features a built-in stainless steel filter and a rainmaker showerhead that evenly distributes water over coffee grounds, ensuring a strong and flavorful brew. Operation is straightforward: add coffee grounds, tamp them down, screw on the basket filled with hot or cold water, and let it steep. Once ready, pump the coffee into the included carafe, which can be flipped over and stored on top of the pump to save space when not in use.
Cold brew takes five minutes, while hot coffee is ready in just two minutes. The result is a concentrated coffee that can be diluted with water or milk to create various drinks, such as Americanos and cappuccinos. All parts except the pump are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless.
Flavor and Performance
Despite its speed, the brewer does not compromise on taste. One reviewer noted, "The taste of the coffee is consistently exceptional. It achieves that elusive balance of rich extraction without bitterness. I believe this is due to its precise temperature control and the rainmaker shower head, which evenly saturates the coffee grounds. Every cup tastes clean, vibrant, and full-bodied, rivaling coffee from much more expensive machines or even my favorite local coffee shop."
Shoppers widely agree, calling it a "major upgrade" to their morning routine. A Target reviewer even stated, "I am even tempted to pitch the big machine in favor of this device."
Portability and Travel Benefits
The cordless design has earned fans among travelers. Reviewers mention taking it on camping trips and to hotels, avoiding the often unsanitary hotel coffee makers. One reviewer shared, "This press is enough of a fixture in my travel kit now that I’ve also invested in a small dual voltage kettle — and now I have GOOD coffee on demand, day or night."
Comparison to Aeropress
The OXO brewer is frequently compared to the Aeropress, a well-known portable brewer. Both are similarly priced, but OXO reviewers who have tried both say it is easier to use and does not require disposable filters. One user wrote, "I’ve used an Aeropress for years, and feel like I am making better coffee with this one." Another mentioned buying OXO brewers as gifts for Aeropress-owning friends.
Customer Reviews
Below are some highlights from customer reviews:
- Leigh: "I wanted an alternative that was easy to clean, small enough for my tiny kitchen, and not fussy. ... This is so much easier and cleaner. ... It’s totally silent, lightweight, no plugs/batteries, and SO easy to clean because the water chamber never touches the coffee grounds. I love that I’m not buying plastic pods anymore."
- Strick: "This makes delicious coffee concentrate for using with foamed milk to make a latte, or with water to make an americano, that is honestly better than what you can get in coffee shops. ... I think the Oxo design is that much better to produce a consistently perfect cup every time."
- J Madison Torrence: "This is a shockingly good brewer especially for the price! If you enjoy ultralight roasts, this is the maker for you, as it can make coffee without high pressures used in regular espresso machines."
- HRD: "Skip the coffee shop and get this! Once again, OXO’s smart engineering and thoughtful design has elevated an old product into something brilliant. ... The compact design is perfect for a small kitchen, office, or for travel."
Alternative Coffee Makers
For those seeking more options, here are other highly-rated coffee makers:
Mueller Living French Press
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 35,000 Amazon ratings. It features a four-level filtration system, is dishwasher-safe and rust-proof, and includes a matching travel canister.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 25,000 Amazon ratings. It makes smooth, full-flavored coffee quickly, is lightweight and durable, and comes in two sizes.
Bialetti Moka Express
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 33,000 Amazon ratings. This stovetop espresso maker is made in Italy, features a patented safety valve, and is available in multiple sizes.
